Plastic Surgery at Mission Hospital

Reconstructive procedures are performed to correct abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental issues, injury, infection or disease. The goal of reconstructive surgery is often to improve functions, but it is done in many cases to create a normal or near-normal appearance.

Cosmetic procedures change normal body structures to improve a patient's appearance. Many health insurance plans cover reconstructive surgery, but cosmetic surgery is usually not covered because it is elective.

Talk with your primary care provider about options available for your condition. If you find you require plastic surgery, ask for a referral to one of the surgical specialists on staff at Mission Hospital.

Plastic surgery performed at Mission includes, but is not limited to:

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction following breast cancer or other surgery. A breast that has been removed due to cancer (or other disease or injury) can be restored by plastic surgeons to become close in form and appearance to a natural breast. In general, breast reconstruction procedures involve the following procedures:

Skin expansion and implant - This is the most common type of breast reconstruction. The surgeon inserts a balloon expander beneath the patient's skin and chest muscle after the mastectomy. Over several weeks or months, the surgeon gradually injects a salt-water solution into the expander through a tiny valve implanted beneath the skin. The filled expander either serves as a breast implant or is later replaced by a permanent implant. Some patients don't require skin expansion and receive a full implant immediately after mastectomy.
Flap reconstruction - As an alternative to skin expansion and implant, the surgeon can take tissue from the back or other areas to create a flap that will support a reconstructed breast. The tissue can form a breast mound without need for an implant. Additional tissue can be taken from the abdomen to form the breast mound.
Nipple and areola restoration - After breast reconstruction, additional surgery is performed to restore the nipple and areola. Scars from these procedures will fade over time, but may never completely disappear.

Every breast reconstruction is unique, and patients often have many options to understand and consider before deciding upon a procedure. The surgeon is the best source of information and can answer specific questions. Learn more about Mission's Breast Program, which consists of preoperative and postoperative education of women who are admitted to Mission Hospitals for breast surgery.

Surgical management of skin cancer and non-cancerous lesions
Most of these cases involve the removal (excision) of several types of skin cancer, mainly in head, neck and other sun-exposed areas. However, other types of skin growth may be excised for cosmetic reasons or to prevent development of skin cancer. Excision is followed by reconstruction, usually involving a skin flap or skin graft technique.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer. Appearing as a small nodule or in many other forms, it grows slowly and is rarely life threatening. However, if it goes untreated it can grow deep into tissue and bone beneath the skin. This can cause tremendous damage, especially on the face.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, often appearing on the face, lips or ears. It can be red and scaly, a group of crusted nodules or a sore that won't heal. Untreated, it can spread into lymph nodes and internal organs to become life threatening.
Malignant Melanoma is least common skin cancer, yet is on the rise and very dangerous. Treated early, it is completely curable. Untreated, it spreads throughout the body with deadly results.
To learn more The American Cancer Society's website contains a "Cancer Resource Center" with a glossary, prevention information, and resources. Information, including risk factors for skin cancer, is available from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty)
This is most often considered a reconstructive (versus cosmetic) procedure where the surgeon removes weight or volume from the breast on each side to relieve symptoms such as neck, back and shoulder discomfort. Reduction mammoplasty is usually performed after other treatments-such as physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, support ware or medication-have failed.

Cosmetic surgery
A limited number of cosmetic procedures are done at Mission. Most cosmetic surgery is handled in the offices of plastic surgeons. Facial procedures include eyebrow lifts, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and facelifts. Body contouring procedures include breast lifts (mastopexy), tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) and liposuction.

Contact and Referral Information
Talk with your primary care provider about options available for your condition. If you find you require plastic surgery, ask for a referral to one of the surgical specialists on staff at Mission Hospital.